Has anyone done the Gran Fondo Hincapie? I am thinking of coming down from PA for it. I have done the Assaults on Mt. Mitchell and Marion in the past, and I'd like to do some more riding in the area, so this seems like a good possibility. Any feedback from previous participants is welcome, and thanks in advance!

08-19-13, 06:04 AM

jppe

I did not ride in Last Year's fondo but I've ridden all the climbs numerous times. It's a great route and I use that area for lots of training rides. I might suggest slightly easier gearing than Mitchell as there are several steeper climbs than anything you'll do on AOMM. Howard Gap and Skyuka in particular are much steeper and pretty long for how steep they are......at least they feel that way. You'll also need good bakes and aluminum rims (not carbon) for coming down the backside of Skyuka with the steepness and numerous hairpins. Lots of braking over 2+ miles.